Habs Daily: Canada Reigns Supreme, NHL Draft Odds, Kapanen

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Thursday.

Montreal Canadiens News

With two-thirds of the season already in the books, we have a pretty good handle on what to expect from the Montreal Canadiens from here on out. There’s still a (slight) chance they can make the playoffs, while their draft odds are also in play. The key will be avoiding a finish in no man’s land.[Draft Odds and Playoff Odds: What To Expect From The Canadiens]

The final game of the 4 Nations Faceoff took place in Boston, with Team Canada beating Team USA 3-2 in overtime thanks to Connor McDavid’s game-winning goal.

I have to admit, I missed the mark when they originally announced the tournament. My initial reaction was rather cynical, and I’m glad to say I couldn’t have been more wrong about the level of interest from fans, not to mention the intensity provided by the players.

Full marks to the NHL, it was high-level entertainment from start to finish.

THERE IT IS! THE GAME WINNER! THE TOURNAMENT WINNER! 😱😱😱

CONNOR MCDAVID HAS WON IT FOR CANADA!!! #4Nations pic.twitter.com/nDneA2e26K

— NHL (@NHL) February 21, 2025

Former Canadiens goaltender Carey Price was among those cheering on Canada as they faced the USA.

Let’s go!

— Carey Price (@CP0031) February 21, 2025

We won’t get into the jingoist white-noise that surrounded the tournament, but if you think it didn’t mean anything to either country, the Canadian Prime Minster made it rather clear.

You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 21, 2025

The Habs held an event at the exact same time as Team Canada faced Team USA, but at the very least, they provided a feed for those attending. Josh Anderson certainly appreciated it.

Andy est ATTENTIF

Andy’s DIALED IN#4Nations pic.twitter.com/Ej688j6GCB

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 21, 2025

The Canadian players in a great mood following their thrilling win.

Brad Marchand gives Travis Konecny a ride. #4Nations pic.twitter.com/3kYYbIT11g

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 21, 2025

If you’re still active on social media and enjoy a great crossover, I strongly suggest following Art But Make It Sports. It’s easily one of the most entertaining accounts out there. And no, he doesn’t cheat. He just seems to have a perfect memory and an impressive knowledge of art.

Christ in a Red Robe, by Minerva Teichert, 1945, 📸 by Brian Babineau pic.twitter.com/bTglIKrRlb

— ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) February 21, 2025

Samuel Montembeault didn’t get to play at the tournament, but it was surely a great experience for the 28-year-old netminder.

Samuel Montembeault is looking dapper. #4Nations pic.twitter.com/E0FcCvTFpE

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) February 21, 2025

Prospect Oliver Kapanen keeps producing at an impressive rate. The 21-year-old scored a goal and added two assists to help Timra beat Brynas 6-2. He now has 13 goals and 15 assists in 28 games. [Canadiens Prospect Report: Oliver Kapanen’s Potential Impact]

Oliver Kapanen springs Jonathan Dahlén for his third point of the night, 28 (13+15) in 27 games. #GoHabsGo #Habs pic.twitter.com/vC8HuPH7Sq

— Patrik Bexell (@Zeb_Habs) February 20, 2025

There are no guarantees in life, but I have a sneaking suspicion Lane Hutson is excited about the final stretch of the season. Or maybe he just approaches all hockey games with the enthusiasm of a golden retriever being fed a bowl of spaghetti. Either way, it’s good to see.

Lane Hutson at Habs practice today pic.twitter.com/lGFUOCBySh

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) February 20, 2025

ICYMI: The Canadiens still managed to pick the best player at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, it just took them until the 62nd overall pick to get there. [2022 NHL Draft Deep Review: Canadiens Picked The Best Player]